A subsidiary of Deschênes & Fils, a plumbing supply distributor that has existed for three-quarters of a century in Quebec, Doraco-Noiseux has carved a very stylish niche for itself over the last two decades.

One trip to either of two retail boutiques on Bélanger St. E. and l’Acadie Blvd. and it’s easy to see why.

With a product line including must have brands in bathroom fixtures and finishings like American Standard, Toto, Maax, Delta, Grohe, Neptune and Vanico Maronyx and much more, it’s the

premier Montreal destination for homeowners, designers and contractors looking to upgrade this all-important and valuable part of their home and investment.

“What really distinguishes us is our staff,” said Yvon Robert, director of retail sales operations. “Most of them have design backgrounds or a high level of technical knowledge, and are constantly training with our suppliers.” The staff works with many designers “who come in on their own or with clients; our staff knows the products, needs, details and everything else associated with your projects. We are well known in Montreal for that. It’s our company culture and we infuse each location with it.”

That Doraco-Noiseux expertise is even more striking when compared with big-box stores, where staff view a training DVD and head for the sales floor. “They are no competition,” Robert said. “Our customers — new and old — know that. The information we offer is specific, not generalized — and when you come in with questions, you leave with answers and you know what to buy and why you are buying it.”

Toilets, for example, are not usually the subject of conversation, but there’s a reason why you should care about these thrones. “A toilet is a very intimate item,” Robert said. “It’s always used and has to work perfectly every time. It also has to be water-efficient, look good and, of course, be easy to clean.”

A cheaper toilet may be short on the all-important varnish and glaze, he explained, “so it stains more easily, and on some you can detect spots where there is no varnish or glaze and mould spots develop.” Simply put, a higher-end toilet is easier to clean and keep clean.

Experts in kitchen and bathrooms, the range of choices at Doraco-Noiseux also sets it apart. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, doors, toilets, accessories, mirrors and vanities are available in more brands, in higher qualities within common brands, in more finishes and with solid warranties — but also includes a selection of items for the budget-conscious.

Of course, it’s accepted wisdom that investments in your kitchen and bathroom boost a home’s sale value the most, while offering you real value every day. So whether you’re looking to drop a few hundred dollars on a simple stainless-steel sink, a few bathroom accessories or the latest bathtub complete with chromatherapy mood-setting coloured light systems, then this is the first, easiest and most popular place to shop. In fact, many of the myriad condominium projects going up around greater Montreal rely on Doraco-Noiseux when it comes to offering clients bathroom and kitchen options, to transform a unit from simply ordinary to extraordinary.

A new website has brought major Internet and foot traffic since last fall, with store visits tripling and the l’Acadie location set to double in size this year. The bilingual site offers all products, details, options, finishes, specs and pricing, along with a handy shopping list you can maintain online, print out to comparison shop, or discuss with staff.

“We know consumers like everything upfront,” Robert said. “There are no pricing games; the prices and expert bilingual service you see online is exactly what you get in-store.

“Remember,” he added, “we can deliver anywhere in Quebec. Walk into our showroom and ask us to deliver to Sherbrooke or Mont-Tremblant? No problem. We have a giant distribution network that works for us and, therefore, it works for you.”